bogobit signal braking modules – overview

Brake modules are electronic circuits that let locos with digital
decoder brake smoothly on a section of track.
The brake module generates a brake voltage to be fed to the track
that is interpreted by suitable loco decoders, which then smoothly brake the loco.
The brake voltage is basically just negative dc, but on the bogobit brake modules
(except for the standard brake module) combined with a tailored current limit
protection to avoid critical short circuits.

This working principle is known to märklin users as the "märklin brake module"
and to DCC users as "brake on dc".
It works with most of the original märklin decoders, and most compatible decoders.
It also works with many DCC decoders, some of which need special configuration
to support it. In some DCC decoders the voltage polarity is evaluated to achieve direction
dependent braking.

Also märklin users need not live without direction dependent braking.
The Bremsmodul Oneway is designed to do this.

free contact, e. g. usable for a daylight signal or switching of a stop track section

The bogobit Bremsmodul Classic is characterised by its
very easy track work, because it
only needs one insulated track section.
It does not need a transition or stop track as usual with many other brake modules.
This simplifies track construction work and allows an easy upgrade from an
already built, conventionally controlled layout to a digitally controlled layout.
The length of the insulated section must be as long as the locos' longest braking distance.

With the prototype, a signal applies only in one direction. Locos in opposite
direction just keep on driving. For your model railway this can be done with the
bogobit Bremsmodul Oneway.
To detect the driving direction, the track must be insulated into two sections.
Current sensors in each section detect the loco and the brake module can
take appropriate action.

Operational mode 1 e. g. on free track:
The brake module is used at one signal with braking in one direction.

Simple track work, only two track sections necessary

Locos brake only in one direction, they keep on driving in opposite direction

Operational mode 2 track in a station:
The brake module is used at two signals with braking in either direction.

Two or three track sections necessary

A train pulls into the station and stops at the end of the track, only if the corresponding signal shows red.

Note that this mode is not suited for DCC (two rail) operation

Station tracks (also in hidden yards) shall often be used by trains in both
directions. To achieve a prototypical stop at the track's end in any direction,
you do not need two brake modules (one for each end), but
one Bremsmodul Oneway does it all for you.
To detect the driving direction, the track must be insulated into two or three sections.
Current sensors in each section detect the loco, and the brake module
switches all sections over to brake voltage in the appropriate moment.
With two control inputs the brake module detects the aspects shown by two signals
and decides appropriately when to switch over to brake.
In operational mode 1 only one signal is connected.